Famous people and celebrities born in 1921

We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1921. This year gave rise to a new generation of talent, including actors, musicians, athletes, politicians and more who have significantly impacted our world. Dive into the stories of these famous personalities, explore their journeys, and see how they've shaped culture and society since their birth year. Join us as we take a nostalgic trip back to 1921 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.

Jan. 27 Donna Reed
Donna Reed was an iconic American actress of the 1940s and 1950s, best known for her Academy Award-winning role in 'From Here to Eternity' and her beloved family sitcom 'The Donna Reed Show'. She was a quintessential Hollywood star who represented the idealized American housewife of her era.
Jan. 31 Carol Channing
Iconic Broadway and Hollywood actress known for her distinctive voice and comedic roles. She was a Tony Award winner famous for her performances in 'Hello, Dolly!' and 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'.
Feb. 1 Peter Sallis
British actor best known for his role in the Wallace and Gromit animated series and the TV show Last of the Summer Wine.
Feb. 4 Betty Friedan
Pioneering American feminist who wrote 'The Feminine Mystique' and co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW), significantly advancing women's rights in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s.
Feb. 8 Lana Turner
Iconic Hollywood actress known as the 'Sweater Girl' who rose to fame during World War II and was nominated for an Oscar for her role in 'Peyton Place'.
Feb. 22 Giulietta Masina
Legendary Italian actress known for her extraordinary performances in Federico Fellini's films, particularly in 'La Strada' and 'Juliet of the Spirits'. She was renowned for her unique ability to blend comedy and tragedy with profound emotional depth.
Feb. 24 Abe Vigoda
Iconic American character actor best known for his memorable roles in 'The Godfather' as Salvatore Tessio and in the TV sitcom 'Barney Miller'. He became a pop culture figure known for his long-lasting career and humorous public persona.
Feb. 26 Betty Hutton
Betty Hutton was a prominent American actress and singer, best known for her energetic performances in Hollywood musicals like 'The Greatest Show on Earth'. She was a popular entertainer during the 1940s and early 1950s.
March 3 Diana Barrymore
A member of the famous Barrymore acting dynasty, Diana was a talented actress who struggled with alcoholism and personal challenges. Her autobiography 'Too Much, Too Soon' candidly detailed her tumultuous life and was later adapted into a film.
March 4 Joan Greenwood
British actress known for her distinctive husky voice, who appeared in numerous films including 'Kind Hearts and Coronets' and 'The Importance of Being Earnest'.
March 8 Cyd Charisse
Legendary Hollywood dancer and actress renowned for her exceptional performances in classic musicals, particularly in MGM productions during the 1950s. She was famous for her stunning dance sequences with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.
March 12 Gordon MacRae
American musical comedy star of the 1950s, known for his film roles and memorable performance in the musical 'Oklahoma'. He made his film debut in 1948 and starred in several movies with Doris Day.
March 25 Simone Signoret
Renowned French actress who won an Oscar for 'Room at the Top' and became an international cinema icon. She was a prominent figure in French New Wave cinema and known for her powerful performances and political activism.
March 28 Dirk Bogarde
Dirk Bogarde was a renowned British actor who transformed from a popular matinee idol to a critically acclaimed art-house cinema performer. He worked with prestigious European directors and appeared in over 60 films during his distinguished 31-year career. His artistic choices and nuanced performances made him a significant figure in mid-20th century cinema.
April 3 Jan Sterling
Acclaimed American film actress who was Oscar-nominated for her role in 'The High and Mighty' and appeared in over 26 films during her career.
April 8 Franco Corelli
Franco Corelli was a legendary Italian tenor renowned for his exceptional vocal technique, passionate performances, and striking good looks. He was considered the most beautiful tenor of his era, famous for his powerful voice and unique vocal style characterized by dramatic diminuendos at high notes. His charismatic stage presence and romantic interpretations made him a favorite among opera enthusiasts worldwide.
April 10 Chuck Connors
Famous American actor and former professional baseball player best known for his starring role in the TV series 'The Rifleman'.
April 10 Sheb Wooley
American country music singer and actor, known for his novelty song 'Purple People Eater' and acting in numerous Western films.
April 27 Hans-Joachim Kulenkampff
German television host and actor famous for his popular 1960s game show 'Einer wird gewinnen', which was a significant part of German entertainment television.
May 2 Satyajit Ray
Legendary Indian filmmaker who revolutionized world cinema through his profound storytelling and artistic vision. He was a pioneering director of the Bengali cinema and internationally acclaimed for his humanistic approach to filmmaking. [bio]
May 4 Sugar Ray Robinson
Sugar Ray Robinson was a legendary professional boxer widely regarded as the greatest pound-for-pound boxer in history. He revolutionized boxing with his exceptional speed, power, and technical skills during the 1940s and 1950s. His influence extended beyond the ring, making him a cultural icon of his era. [bio]
May 12 Farley Mowat
Prominent Canadian author and naturalist who wrote extensively about wildlife conservation, particularly in the Arctic. His bestselling books like 'Never Cry Wolf' brought global attention to environmental issues and indigenous cultures.
May 14 Richard Deacon
American character actor known for his comedic roles in television shows like 'The Dick Van Dyke Show' and 'The Mothers-in-Law'. He was a versatile performer with a distinctive appearance and comedic timing.
May 27 Caryl Chessman
Notorious criminal known as the 'Red Light Bandit' who committed a series of rapes, robberies, and kidnappings in California during the late 1940s. He gained significant public attention due to his multiple death row appeals and became a controversial figure in the debate about capital punishment.
May 29 Clifton James
American character actor known for his distinctive roles in films, particularly in James Bond movies where he played Sheriff J.W. Pepper.
May 31 Alida Valli
Renowned Italian actress of international fame, Alida Valli was a prominent figure in European cinema during the mid-20th century. Born in Pola, she began her acting career at 16 and quickly became known for her exceptional beauty and dramatic talent. Her performances in films like 'The Third Man' solidified her status as a significant actress of her era.
June 19 Louis Jourdan
Renowned French actor who starred in numerous Hollywood classics, known for his sophisticated charm and memorable roles in films like 'Gigi' and 'Octopussy'. He was a versatile performer who successfully transitioned between European and American cinema during the mid-20th century.
June 21 Jane Russell
Iconic Hollywood actress known for her provocative roles and distinctive beauty. She became a sex symbol in the 1940s and 1950s, famously promoted by Howard Hughes. Russell starred in numerous films and was a significant cultural figure of her era.
June 21 Judy Holliday
Brilliant comedic actress who won an Oscar for her memorable performance in 'Born Yesterday'. She began in theater and quickly transitioned to Hollywood, becoming known for her intelligent portrayal of seemingly ditzy characters.
July 6 Nancy Reagan
First Lady of the United States during Ronald Reagan's presidency, Nancy Reagan was a prominent political and cultural figure who significantly influenced American politics and social discourse. She was known for her advocacy of the 'Just Say No' anti-drug campaign and her unwavering support of her husband's political career. Her memoirs provide insights into her life and experiences in the …
July 18 John Glenn
Legendary NASA astronaut who became the first American to orbit Earth, playing a crucial role in the early U.S. space program. He later served as a U.S. Senator from Ohio and was a pivotal figure in the Mercury Seven astronaut group.
July 26 Jean Shepherd
Renowned American humorist, radio personality, and writer best known for creating the beloved holiday film 'A Christmas Story'. He was a masterful storyteller who captivated audiences through radio, books, and live performances with his nostalgic and humorous narratives about American life.
Aug. 2 Simone Valère
French actress who had a significant career in cinema, appearing in numerous films across several decades from the 1940s to the 1990s.
Aug. 8 Esther Williams
Pioneering American actress and swimmer who revolutionized aquatic-themed Hollywood musicals during the mid-20th century. She was famous for her elaborate synchronized swimming performances in movies and became an iconic Hollywood star of the 1950s.
Aug. 11 Alex Haley
Alex Haley was an acclaimed American author and journalist who won the Pulitzer Prize for his groundbreaking book 'Roots', which traced the generational history of an African American family from slavery to freedom. A Coast Guard veteran, he was known for writing about ordinary people's experiences and often drew inspiration from his maritime travels.
Aug. 26 Ben Bradlee
Legendary American journalist who served as executive editor of The Washington Post during a pivotal period in American journalism. He played a crucial role in publishing the Pentagon Papers and was instrumental in the Watergate investigation.
Aug. 28 Nancy Kulp
American actress best known for her role as Miss Hathaway in the popular TV series 'The Beverly Hillbillies'.
Sept. 8 Harry Secombe
Beloved British comedian, actor, and singer who was a key member of the legendary comedy troupe 'The Goons'. He was renowned for his jovial personality and significant contribution to British comedy and entertainment.
Sept. 21 Jimmy Young
Jimmy Young was a prominent English radio presenter and pop singer who was particularly famous for his BBC Radio 2 show and hit songs in the 1950s and 1960s.
Sept. 24 Jim McKay
Pioneering Emmy-winning sportscaster who became a legendary figure in television journalism, particularly known for his coverage of sports events and the Munich Olympics tragedy.
Sept. 30 Deborah Kerr
Renowned Scottish-American actress who was nominated six times for Academy Awards, famous for iconic roles in classic films like 'An Affair to Remember' and 'The King and I'. She was a major Hollywood star during the 1950s and 1960s, known for her elegance and versatile acting skills.
Oct. 1 James Whitmore
Acclaimed American actor renowned for his stage and film performances, including Tony Award-winning portrayals of historical figures like Will Rogers. He starred in significant films such as 'Black Like Me' and 'Give 'Em Hell, Harry'.
Oct. 22 Georges Brassens
Iconic French poet, singer, and songwriter who revolutionized French music with his poetic lyrics and rebellious spirit. He was a major cultural figure in France, known for his witty, satirical songs that challenged social norms. His musical style influenced generations of French artists.
Nov. 3 Charles Bronson
Iconic American actor known for tough-guy roles in action films, Charles Bronson rose from humble coal mining origins to become a Hollywood star. He appeared in over 70 films, including the famous 'Death Wish' series, and was particularly popular in the 1970s and 1980s. His rugged persona and distinctive looks made him a unique figure in cinema.
Nov. 14 Brian Keith
Versatile American actor known for his roles in over 80 films across multiple genres, most famously as Uncle Bill in the TV series 'Family Affair' (1966-1971). He also starred in 'The Brian Keith Show', 'Hardcastle and McCormick', and had a diverse acting career spanning dramas, westerns, and comedies.
Nov. 22 Rodney Dangerfield
Rodney Dangerfield was a legendary American comedian and actor known for his self-deprecating humor and iconic catchphrase 'I get no respect'. He starred in classic comedy films and was a significant influence on stand-up comedy.
Dec. 4 Deanna Durbin
Deanna Durbin was a renowned Hollywood actress and singer who rose to stardom as a teenager, becoming one of the most popular musical film stars of the 1930s and 1940s. She made ten successful box office films and was known for her exceptional vocal talents. After retiring from acting, she lived a private life in France with her husband.
Dec. 16 Eulalio González
Mexican film director, producer, and screenwriter known for his significant contributions to the Mexican entertainment industry, particularly in documenting and promoting singer-songwriters.
Dec. 20 George Roy Hill
Acclaimed American film director known for classic films like 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and 'The Sting', who won numerous awards and significantly influenced Hollywood cinema in the 1960s and 1970s.
Dec. 26 Steve Allen
Steve Allen was a pioneering television personality, comedian, and multi-talented artist who significantly influenced American entertainment. He was the first host of The Tonight Show and created numerous innovative television programs. Allen was also a prolific writer, composing novels, songs, and comedy across multiple genres.